Harvard · Resume

Law · 2026

Harvard Resume for Law School Applicants

Law school applications are decided largely on numbers — LSAT, GPA, and softs are the standard frame. The résumé's job is to surface academic seriousness, writing depth, and any unusual leadership or research that explains why you'd be a distinctive addition to the class.

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Harvard Resume··~5 min

What recruiters look for

  • LSAT score (175+ for T14, 170+ for T20)
  • GPA from a serious major (history, philosophy, political science, classics)
  • Honors thesis / journal publication / law review at undergrad
  • Moot court, mock trial, or debate competition success
  • Writing samples beyond the application essay (op-eds, journal articles)

Required sections, in this order

Education section

  • LSAT in the Education section, italicised next to degree
  • GPA + major + honors / Phi Beta Kappa
  • Honors thesis title + advisor (if applicable)
  • Law-relevant coursework only if you majored in something unusual

Experience emphasis

  • Pre-law experience: bullets emphasise writing, research, argumentation
  • Quantify research outputs (briefs drafted, cases researched, citations used)
  • For non-traditional applicants: highlight career change motivation in one bullet per role

Sample in Harvard format

Harvard Resume for Law School Applicants · 2026 Template
Harvard format · 1 page

Strong vs weak bullets

Before

Worked as a paralegal at a law firm

After

Paralegal · Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Litigation Group, NYC · drafted 14 motions and 8 deposition outlines in support of $XB cross-border M&A litigation; researched 200+ case citations across federal circuits; cited by associates in 3 successful summary judgment motions

Specific drafting outputs + deal context + research scale + downstream impact (cited in motions). A committee sees future law-student fluency.

Before

Member of moot court team

After

Moot Court Member · Northwestern Pre-Law Society · ranked top-8 nationally at ABA National Negotiation Competition 2024; co-authored 35-page brief on antitrust precedent; argued before a panel of federal judges (semi-final)

Competition placement, brief length, subject matter, and audience seniority. Distinguishes from 'member of moot court' which appears on many résumés.

Before

Volunteered at a legal aid clinic

After

Volunteer · Boston Asylum & Immigration Law Center · 200 hours: interviewed 18 asylum applicants in Spanish; drafted 6 affidavits and supporting briefs; trained 4 incoming volunteers on documentation protocols

Hours, client count, languages used, drafting work, and training (= leadership) all in one bullet.

Mistakes specific to this role

  • Listing LSAT below 165 unless it's near the school's median.
  • Hiding GPA above 3.7 in a footer. Surface it boldly in Education.
  • Generic 'attention to detail' or 'strong analytical skills' bullets — these are assumed.
  • Listing all moot court / mock trial competitions you entered. Only list those where you placed.

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Frequently asked

Where do publications in undergrad law journals go?
Under a Publications section between Education and Experience if you have 2+. Single publication can go in Education under thesis or in Experience under the relevant role.
Should I include character & fitness disclosures here?
Never on the résumé. The application has its own C&F section.
How do non-traditional applicants frame a career change?
Don't write a 'why law' paragraph on the résumé (that's the personal statement). But one bullet per recent role can include law-adjacent work that signals motivation (regulatory work, contract negotiation, advocacy).

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